Aerosol containment apparatus, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Aerosol containment apparatus and methods of use are provided herein. The apparatus provides for creating an interior rest space for a person. The apparatus includes a self-sealable cover which is configurable to seal the interior rest space for use in dental care, cosmetic care or other procedures. Access to the person is provided by arm ports located on the apparatus. These arm ports are flexible and allow for vertical, horizontal and angular arm movement procedures. The apparatus includes a partially or substantially transparent cover for visual access to the client and an internal utility tray for tool storage. The apparatus, also includes, an air filtration port equipped with a replaceable air filter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/031,872, filed Sep. 24, 2020, entitled “AEROSOLCONTAINMENT APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS” the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as is fullyset forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Some aspects of the present technology are directed to aerosolcontainment apparatus and, in particular but not exclusively, to aerosolcontainment apparatus for mitigating transmission of aerosols between afirst person and a second person in close proximity to the first personwhilst the first person is receiving care from the second person. Someaspects of the present technology are directed to aerosol containmentmethods, in particular but not exclusively, to aerosol containmentmethods for mitigating transmission of aerosols, such as but not limitedto, viral aerosols between a first person and a second person in closeproximity to the first person whilst the first person is receiving carefrom the second person In some embodiments of the aspect(s) of thepresent technology, the care is dental care. In some other embodimentsof the aspect(s) of the present technology, the care is medical healthcare. In some other embodiments of the aspect(s) of the presenttechnology, the care is cosmetic care. In some other embodiments of theaspect(s) of the present technology, the care is personal care. In someembodiments, the personal care is beauty and/or cosmetic personal care.In some other embodiments of the aspect(s) of the present technology,the care is non health care.

SUMMARY

According to some aspects, the present technology is directed to anaerosol containment apparatus. In some embodiments the aerosolcontainment apparatus comprises an upper body rest section, a barriersurround sidewall and an upper body shield cover. In the openconfiguration of the apparatus, the upper body shield cover may be in anopen position and uncovers the barrier surround sidewall. In the closedconfiguration of the apparatus: the upper body shield cover head regionmay be in a closed position over and cooperates with the barriersurround sidewall in sealed contact therewith and covers at least a headrest region of the upper body rest section, an overhanging portion mayoverhang the barrier surround sidewall open end and, optionally over theback rest section, the skirt portion is sealed to the barrier surroundsidewall, the upper body rest section together with the barrier surroundwall and the upper body shield cover define an interior resting space,and the overhanging portion has a shape and form such that, when theupper body of a person is resting on the upper body rest section in theresting space, the overhanging portion has a free edge in sealed contactwith part of the person to thereby seal off the interior resting spacefrom the exterior of the apparatus. Upper body shield cover may beself-sealable to the barrier surround sidewall and the person.

Any one or combination of the technical features of the followingembodiments may be combined with the aerosol containment apparatus.

In some embodiments, the aerosol containment apparatus may comprise anupper body rest section for resting thereon the upper body of a person;wherein the upper body rest section comprises a head rest region andback rest region; wherein the upper body rest section is integratedwith, or configurable on, the back rest of a chair; a barrier surroundsidewall sealed with the upper body rest section; wherein the barriersurround sidewall extends on and around an outer part of the head restregion and has an open end traversing the upper body rest section;wherein the barrier surround sidewall has at least one arm port hole, anupper body shield cover integrated with, attached or attachable to thebarrier surround sidewall, wherein the upper body shield cover comprisesa head region and an overhanging portion, wherein the overhangingportion comprises a skirt portion; wherein the barrier surround sidewalland/or the upper body shield cover includes at least one arm port holewherein the apparatus is configurable between an open configuration anda closed configuration; wherein in the open configuration the upper bodyshield cover is in an open position and uncovers the barrier surroundsidewall; and wherein in the closed configuration: the upper body shieldcover head region is in a closed position covering at least the headrest region of the upper body rest section and cooperating with thebarrier surround sidewall in sealed contact therewith, wherein theoverhanging portion overhangs the barrier surround sidewall open end,wherein the skirt portion is sealed to the barrier surround sidewall,wherein the upper body rest section, the barrier surround wall and theupper body shield cover define an interior resting space, and whereinthe skirt portion has a shape such that, when the upper body of a personis resting on the upper body rest section in the resting space, theskirt portion is in sealed contact with an upper body part of the personto thereby seal off the interior resting space from the exterior of theapparatus.

In some embodiments, the chair is a recliner chair, such as but notlimited to a dental chair, medical heath chair, beauty cosmetic carechair or acupuncture chair.

in some embodiments, a utility tray is fixed or integrated with theunderside of the upper body shield cover; wherein in the closedconfiguration, the utility tray occupies the interior resting space andis accessible via the at least one arm port hole.

In some embodiments, the upper body shield cover is attached to thebarrier surround sidewall and moveable between the open and closedpositions.

In some embodiments, skirt portion has a free outer edge, wherein atleast part of the free outer edge has or is configurable to have aprofile corresponding to the profile of the upper body of the a personand wherein in the closed configuration, when the upper body of a personis resting on the upper body section in the interior resting space, thefree outer edge is overlapping and in contact with the person and formsa seal therewith.

In some embodiments, the skirt portion comprises a flexible sheetmaterial such as but not limited to medical grade silicone. In someembodiments, the flexible sheet includes material on the outer perimeterwhich is thicker and/or heavier than the rest of the flexible sheetmaterial.

In some embodiments, the skirt portion has opposing sides and a centralregion therebetween, wherein the skirt portion has a rear edge, whereinthe rear edge comprises opposing side regions and a central regionbetween the rear edge opposing side regions, and wherein each of theskirt portion rear edge opposing side regions is releasably attachableto respective opposing sides of the barrier surround sidewall open end.

In some embodiments, overhanging portion includes a projection portionextending from the upper body shield cover head region; the projectionportion projecting over the open end of the barrier surround sidewall;and wherein the skirt portion is sealed or sealable with the projectionportion.

In some embodiments, the upper body cover head region and projectionportion are a rigid structure.

In some embodiments, each of the skirt portion opposing sides includesan armhole slit.

In some embodiments, in the closed configuration, when the upper body ofa person is resting on the upper body rest section, the skirt portion issealed to the projection portion and the barrier surround sidewall openend, and wherein the skirt portion free front edge is in sealed contactwith and overlaps the front of the torso of the person and wherein theskirt opposing sides are wrapped under and in sealed contact withrespective sides of the torso allowing the arms of the person to extendout of the sealed interior space via the respective armhole slits whilstmaintaining the interior resting space sealed.

In some embodiments, a rivet system releasably attaches the skirt regionrear edge central region to the projection portion and the skirt regionrear edge opposing side regions to respective sides of the barriersurround sidewall open end. In some embodiments, the skirt portion isreleasably attached by other attachment systems.

In some embodiments, the skirt portion is releasably attached to thecover head region without a projection portion.

In some embodiments, the head region together with the projectionportion comprises at least partially dome shape.

In some embodiments, upper body shield cover head region together withthe projection portion is substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, the barrier surround sidewall includes a flexiblesheet material such as but not limited to medical grade silicone.

In some embodiments, the barrier surround sidewall comprises an openended rigid frame and the flexible sheet material is releasably attachedthereto by a rivet system. In some embodiments, the barrier surroundsidewall flexible sheet material includes a thicker or reinforced outerperimeter.

In some embodiments, at least one flexible arm port is incorporated inthe flexible sheet material of the barrier surround sidewall and/or theskirt portion.

In some embodiments, at least one air filtration port extends throughthe upper body shield cover between an interior side and exterior sideof the upper body shield cover.

In some embodiments, an air filtration system is incorporated in any oneor combination of the upper body shield cover, the barrier surroundsidewall and the upper rest section, the air filtration systemcomprising an air inlet port with an air inlet filter and an air outletport with an outlet filter; wherein each of the air inlet port and airoutlet port communicate between the interior resting space and theexterior; and wherein the inlet filter is configured to pull/push airfrom the exterior through the air inlet port into the interior restingspace and/or wherein the outlet filter is configured to pull/push airout through the air outlet port from the interior resting space to theexterior.

In some embodiments, the air filtration system is incorporated into thecover head region and/or projection portion.

In some embodiments, an adjustable strap system is integrated with orattachable to the bottom of the upper body rest section, wherein theadjustable strap system is adjustable to strap and secure the upper bodyrest section to a back rest of the chair.

In yet other aspects of the present technology, a kit of parts forassembling any one or combination of the embodiments of the apparatus isprovided. The kit of parts comprises the parts of the apparatus of anyone or combination of the embodiments and optionally: a box or bag,and/or an instruction manual for assembling the apparatus from the kitof parts. The apparatus parts and the instruction manual maybe carriedin the box or bag. The kit of parts, on assembly, provide an apparatusaccording to any one of combination of the embodiments and which isconfigurable between the open configuration and the closedconfiguration.

In yet some other aspects, a barrier surround sidewall flexible sheet isprovided. The barrier surround sidewall flexible sheet is a flexiblesheet according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein for usewith the aerosol containment apparatus.

In yet some other aspects, a skirt portion flexible sheet is provided.The skirt portion flexible sheet is a flexible sheet according to anyone of the embodiments disclosed herein for use with the aerosolcontainment apparatus.

The systems and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in a means forarrangement and/or steps for configurations in some embodiments.

In yet some other aspects of the present technology, methods ofoperating the aerosol containment apparatus of any one or combination ofembodiments are provided. The method may comprise or include configuringthe aerosol containment apparatus on a chair, and manually configuringthe apparatus between the open configuration and the closedconfiguration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed disclosure, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

The methods and systems disclosed herein have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a front right perspective view of the aerosol containmentapparatus in the open configuration in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology;

FIG. 2A depicts a rights side elevation view of the aerosol containmentapparatus of FIG. 1 installed on a chair with the upper body shieldcover closed;

FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged right side elevation view of part of thebarrier surround sidewall and cover of the apparatus and chair shown inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 depicts a rear elevation view of the apparatus and chair shown inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 depicts a top plan view of the aerosol containment apparatus andchair shown in FIG. 2A but with the upper body of a person restinginside the apparatus;

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along acentral longitudinal axis of the aerosol containment apparatus shown inFIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 depicts a right front side perspective view of the aerosolcontainment apparatus in the open configuration and attached to thechair;

FIG. 7 depicts a right front side perspective view of the aerosolcontainment apparatus attached to a chair and with the upper body shieldcover partially closed and the upper body of a person inside theapparatus;

FIG. 8 depicts a right-side front perspective view of the aerosolcontainment apparatus attached to a chair and in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9 depicts a top plan view of the skirt portion flexible sheetmaterial detached from the cover projection portion and barrier surroundsidewall of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and laid out flat; and

FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the flexible sheet material of thebarrier surround side wall detached from the frame and laid out flat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularembodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced inother embodiments that depart from these specific details.

The terms “seal” is used herein to mean a seal that is sufficient toeliminate or substantially mitigate aerosol transmission through theseal. Similarly, “sealed” or “sealable” is used herein to mean sealed orsealable to the extent sufficient to eliminate or substantially mitigateaerosol transmission through the resulting seal.

Technical features described in this application can be used toconstruct various embodiments of aerosol containment apparatus, systemsand/or methods for mitigating transmission of viral aerosols and/orother aerosols between a first person and a second person in closeproximity to the first person whilst the first person is receiving carefrom the second person. Such aerosols may be in the form of but notlimited to aerosolized particles and/or droplets. Such viral aerosolsmay comprise coronavirus aerosols, such as covid 19 aerosols but viralaerosols may be aerosols from any type of virus. Furthermore, suchaerosols may comprise or include bacteria and/or fungal aerosols. By wayof example, such aerosols my comprise or include dental aerosols.

As a general outline, the aerosol containment apparatus of the presenttechnology according to some aspects is attachable to or integrated witha chair and configurable between an open configuration and a closedconfiguration. In the open configuration, an upper body shield coveruncovers at least a portion of a upper body rest section of theapparatus whereas in the closed configuration the upper body shieldcover cooperates with a barrier surround sidewall in sealed or sealablecontact therewith and covers at least a head rest region of the upperbody rest section such that the upper body rest section, the barriersurround wall and the upper body shield cover define an interior restingspace. A skirt portion of the upper body shield cover has a shape suchthat, when the upper body of a person is resting on the upper body restsection in a resting space, the skirt portion is in sealed contact orsealable with part of the person to thereby seal the interior restingspace from the exterior of the apparatus. Skirt portion may beself-sealable to the barrier surround sidewall and a person.

By way of example, in order to more adequately explain the presenttechnology, reference will be made in more detail hereinafter to oneapproach of the present technology in which dentistry aerosolcontainment apparatus, systems and/or methods are configured to mitigatetransmission of aerosols between a first person and a second person inclose proximity to the first person whilst the first person is receivingdental care from the second person. However, in some other approaches ofthe present technology, the aerosol containment apparatus, systemsand/or methods are other types of health care apparatus, systems and/ormethods configured to mitigate transmission of aerosols between a firstperson and a second person in close proximity to the first person whilstthe first person is receiving other the other types of health care, suchas but not limited to medical heath care, from the second person. In yetsome other approaches, the aerosol containment apparatus, systems and/ormethods are configured to mitigate transmission of aerosols between afirst person and a second person in close proximity to the first personwhilst the first person is receiving personal care, such as but notlimited personal cosmetic care (beauty care etc.), or any types ofnon-health care.

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elementsof embodiments will be given numerical designations and in whichembodiments will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art tomake and use the invention.

Specific reference to components, process steps, and other elements arenot intended to be limiting. Further, it is understood that like partsbear the same reference numerals, when referring to alternate Figures.It will be further noted that the Figures are schematic and provided forguidance to the skilled reader and are not necessarily drawn to scale.Rather, the various drawing scales, aspect ratios, and numbers ofcomponents shown in the Figures may be purposely distorted to makecertain features or relationships easier to understand.

As will be made more apparent hereinafter, in the figures, the chair isa dentistry chair and the aerosol containment apparatus includestechnical features that allow a person, such as a dentist, in closeproximity to a person resting on the dentistry chair, to provide dentalcare to the person resting on the chair. It will be understood that insome approaches the aerosol containment apparatus is not limited to thechair whilst in some other approaches the aerosol containment apparatusmay be integrated in the chair and limited to such an arrangement. Itwill also be understood that in accompany figures, the aerosolcontainment apparatus is not limited to the chair but is being shown inthe figures in its operable configurations on the chair for the purposeof explaining the configurations of the apparatus. Furthermore, it willbe understood that the person resting on the chair and the personproviding dental care are not part of the embodiments shown in theaccompany figures but are being illustrated to show how the differentconfigurations of the aerosol containment apparatus can be used indentistry.

Referring in more detail to the accompanying figures, FIG. 1 is a rightside perspective view taken from above of an aerosol containmentapparatus 1 according to one embodiment and FIG. 2A illustrates a rightside view of the apparatus in FIG. 1 attached to a chair. Broadly,aerosol containment apparatus 1 has a containment upper body shieldcover 2, barrier surround sidewall 3, and upper body rest section 4,Barrier surround sidewall 3 is sealed with upper body rest section 4.Apparatus 1 is configurable between an open configuration and a closedconfiguration. In the open configuration, cover 2 is in an open positionand an overhanging portion 39 of cover 2 is detached from barriersurround sidewall 3 as shown for example in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2A illustratescover 2 is closed over barrier surround sidewall 3 and cover overhangingportion 39 is attached to barrier surround side wall 3.

Upper body rest section 4 is configured to enable the upper body of aperson 50 to rest comfortably thereon when the apparatus is attached tothe chair 18. Upper body rest section 4 is a substantially rigidstructure that takes a planar elongated form. In the embodiment of theapparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , upper body rest section 4 is a board made fromridged material sandwiched by memory foam pads with a covering, such asfaux. However, any substantially planar rigid structure capable ofserving as an upper body rest section 4 when attached to a chair may beadopted. Upper body rest section 4 has a head rest region 16 and backrest region 17 and is dimensioned to accommodate the upper body of aperson resting thereon. The periphery of head rest region 16 isgenerally u-shaped and opposite linear sides of upper body rest section4 flare outwardly from head rest region 16 to back-rest region 17. Whenapparatus 1 is attached to chair 18, upper body rest section 4 can belaid over chair head and back rests 18A,18B such as for example as shownin FIG. 2A. Chair 18 is a reclining dentistry chair but in some otherembodiments, chair back rest 18B may be fixed in a reclined orsubstantially horizontal or vertical position and/or the chair may be adifferent type of chair.

As shown in FIG. 1 , barrier surround sidewall 3 is attached to headrest region 16 and arranged generally symmetrically with respect to thelongitudinal central axis 22 of upper body rest section 4. The length ofbarrier surround sidewall 3 extends circumferentially around theperiphery of head rest region 16. The height of barrier surroundsidewall 3 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane inwhich upper body rest section 4 extends from head region 16 to backregion 17. In this manner, barrier surround sidewall 3 has a flaredsubstantially U-shaped configuration with opposing legs 25, 26 extendingalong opposite sides of head rest region 16 and has an open endtraversing upper body rest section 4 between head rest region 16 andback rest region 17. As will be made more apparent below, since barriersurround sidewall 3 does not extend all the way along back rest region17, there is less bulk in the area surrounding a person 50 resting onupper body rest section 4. This has some advantages including providingmore room for an operator 51 to sit or stand and maneuver their arms inrelation to person 50 and allows easier access into and out of theapparatus by person 50.

Barrier surround sidewall 3 is made of a rigid structure sufficient tosupport upper body shield cover 2. In the embodiment of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1 , barrier surround sidewall 3 is made up of a flaredsubstantially u shaped open ended rigid skeleton frame 6 and areplaceable flexible sheet material 7, extending lengthwise in theflared substantially U shape, covering along the exterior side of frame6.

Frame 6 is made from a rigid material such as plastic or metal. In someother embodiments, barrier surround sidewall 3 may be constructed from asingle component or material. For example, the single component could bemolded with thin and thick volumes such that it provides structuralintegrity to support upper body shield cover 2 as well as flexibility inareas along barrier surround sidewall 3.

Frame 6 is made up of a top frame part 6A, bottom frame part 6B and aneck frame part 6C, intermediate between top and bottom frame parts6A,6B. Top frame part 6A is a flared substantially U-shaped rod. Topframe 6A has a square cross section. However, in some other embodiments,other shaped cross sections may be used. Top frame part 6A provides thebarrier surround sidewall top peripheral side 34 which extends in aflared substantial U shape from one end of barrier surround sidewall 34to the opposing end. Top peripheral side 34 has a flat sealing surface.Bottom frame part 6B has a shape generally corresponding to top framepart 6A and serves as the bottom peripheral side of barrier surroundside wall 3. Neck frame part 6C is aligned with the symmetric axis ofbarrier surround wall 3 and extends generally upright from thelongitudinal plane of upper body rest section 2. Opposite ends of neckframe part 6C interconnect spaced apart respective apexes of top framepart 6A and bottom frame part 6B such that the top and bottom frameparts 6A,6B are substantially aligned one above the other in spacedapart substantially parallel planes. In this manner, the flaredsubstantially U-shaped skeleton frame 6 is formed. Frame 6 ispermanently attached to upper body rest section 4 by way of glue,riveting or other permanent attachment means. In some other embodiments,upper body rest section 4 is releasably attached to frame 6.

In some other embodiments, skeleton frame 6 may be formed from othershaped parts that together with flexible material 7 form a generallyU-shaped barrier surround sidewall. In some other embodiments, barriersurround sidewall 3 need not be flared. In yet some other embodiments,the U shape may have linear rather than curved sides such as a truncatedsquare or rectangle or may take other regular or irregular shapes thatprovide a generally open-ended form. In yet some other embodiments, thebarrier surround wall legs 25,26 extend further forwardly over back restregion 17. By way of example, barrier surround sidewall may be anelliptical shape with one end truncated to form the open end. In yetsome other embodiments, barrier surround sidewall 3 and upper restsection 4 are integrated together rather than being formed separatelyand sealed together. By way of example, the chair head res 18At andchair back rest 18B serve as upper body back rest section 4 and barriersurround sidewall 3 is permanently or releasably attached to chair headrest 18A and chair back rest 18B by way of a snap attachment system,rivet system, or other attachment means.

Flexible sheet material 7 is removably sealed to frame 6. In theembodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 , flexible sheet material7 is releasably attached to frame 6 and sealed thereto by means of arivet system. FIG. 10 illustrates a top plan view of flexible sheetmaterial 7 detached from barrier surround sidewall 3 and laid out flat.As best shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 10 taken in conjunction with FIG. 2B,which is an enlarged right side view of a rear part of apparatus 1 shownin FIG. 2A, the rivet system has rivets 20 spaced apart along theexterior side of frame 6 and corresponding holes 7A along the peripheralsides of flexible sheet material 7. The rivet system seals flexiblesheet material 7 to frame 6 by interaction of rivets 20 and the holes 7Ain a manner that is sufficient to seal flexible sheet material 7 tobarrier surround sidewall 3.

These rivets 20 include a distal large diameter 20A and a proximal smalldiameter 20B. Flexible sheet material 7 includes corresponding holes 7Awhich are flexible or stretchable around and over the larger diameter20A and tighten around small diameter 20B to thereby grip rivet 20.Flexible sheet material 7 may be reinforced along the perimeter in thearea surrounding the holes 7A such as by making the material thicker(see border 7C in FIG. 10 ), if desired for decreasing or avoidingdamage to the flexible sheet material 7. In this manner, flexible sheetmaterial 7 is sealably attached to cover 2 around frame 6 by means ofrivets 20 inserted through respective corresponding holes 7A. Flexiblesheet 7 is removable from frame 6 by stretching holes 7A over and offrespective corresponding rivets 20 located on frame 6. In someembodiments, flexible sheet 7 has indents or caps formed in the flexiblesheet exterior instead of through holes and that are sufficient tostretch over and grip respective rivets and enable skirt portion 12 tobe release ably attached.

The rivet system allows frame 6 and flexible sheet material 7 to beremoved, cleaned separately from the apparatus and then replaced, or insome cases allows a new or cleaned replacement flexible sheet material 7to be installed. The flexibility of the flexible sheet material 7 allowsfor a larger range of horizontal and vertical angled arm movementswithin the apparatus via arm port holes formed in the flexible sheetmaterial than would be afforded using a barrier surround sidewall madefrom an entirely rigid material.

Flexible sheet material 7 is a thin silicone sheet material, such asMedical Grade Silicone at 1.5 mm, which allows for good mechanicalflexibility and is able to withstand high temperatures. Withstandinghigh temperatures allows for easier cleaning and sanitation. In someother embodiments, other thickness and/or other flexible sheet materialsmay be adopted such as but not limited to other types of rubber orplastic, or fabrics. In yet some other embodiments, barrier surroundsidewall 3 is entirely rigid structure for applications in which themore limited range of arm movement afforded by the flexible sheet is notcritical to the application.

Furthermore, in some other embodiments, other types of sealablyattachment systems may be used to releasably seal flexible sheet 7 toframe 6 other than a rivet system. By way of example, in some otherembodiments, the sealable attachment system is a zipper system, areleasable adhesive system, or a zip lock type track system.Advantageously, the rivet system, enables flexible sheet material 7 tobe removably attached for easy cleaning or replacement of a damaged orcontaminated flexible sheet material. Furthermore, the rivet systemallows flexible sheet 7 to be autoclavable.

Since upper body rest section 4 is integrated with barrier surroundsidewall 3, this allows the sealing interfaces of the apparatus to becompletely separated from chair 18.

Barrier surround sidewall 3 supports upper body shield cover 2. Upperbody shield cover 2 is configurable between the open and closedpositions. When the apparatus is in the open configuration, upper bodyshield cover 2 is open and uncovers at least a portion of the upper bodyrest section 4, as shown in for example in FIG. 1 , to allow a person 50to enter apparatus 1 and lay their upper body down on upper rest section4. When upper body shield cover 2 is closed, cover 2 sealably cooperateswith barrier surround sidewall 3 and, together with barrier surroundsidewall 3 and upper rest section 4, defines an interior resting space21 in which the upper body of a person 50 can rest lying down.

As will be explained in more detail below, upper body shield cover 2 hasa shape and form such that, when apparatus 1 is in a closedconfiguration and the upper body of person 50 is resting on upper bodyrest section 4 in interior resting space 21, cover 2 is in sealedcontact with the upper body of person 50 and seals interior restingspace 21 from the exterior of the apparatus 1. This sealed interiorresting space 21 limits aerosol leakage from the person 50 to a specificsmall unit versus escaping to the environment.

Upper body shield cover 2 has a head region 10 and an overhangingportion 39. Upper body shield cover 2 has a longitudinal central axisthat is substantially aligned with the symmetric axis of the barriersurround sidewall 3. Head region 10 includes a bottom rim 23 at its basethat is shaped to cooperate with the top peripheral side 34 of barriersurround sidewall 3. Consequently, the base of head region 10 isprofiled and dimensioned such that head region bottom rim 23 has agenerally flared substantially U shape profile that complements theshape of top peripheral side 34 of the barrier surround sidewall 3 (seein particular FIGS. 1 and 7 ).

Upper body shield cover 2 is moveably attached to barrier surroundsidewall 3 such that when cover 2 is open, cover 2 is disposed away frombarrier surround sidewall 3 and such that when cover 2 is closed, cover2 covers over barrier surround sidewall 3 with head region bottom rim 23sealably cooperating with top peripheral side 34 (see in particular FIG.2A & FIG. 8 ). Head region bottom rim 23 and top peripheral side 34 havecomplementary mating surfaces that seal when cover 2 is closed overbarrier surround sidewall 3. In the embodiment of the apparatus 1 ofFIG. 1 , these complementary mating surfaces are substantially parallelflat surfaces. In some other embodiments the top peripheral side 34includes a channel or groove for receiving and sealing head regionbottom rim 23 to top peripheral side 34. Any shaped complementarysurfaces are envisaged that achieve an adequate seal. Opposite ends ofhead region bottom rim 23 are substantially aligned with respectiveopposite ends of top peripheral side 34 of barrier surround sidewall 3.

In the embodiment of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , cover 2 is moveablyattached to barrier surround sidewall 3 by a hinge attached between oneside of cover head region bottom rim 23 and one barrier surroundsidewall leg 25 as shown in FIG. 1 . Hinge 9 interconnects a length oftop peripheral side 34 with a corresponding length of head region bottomrim 23 (left leg 25 is on the right side as observed in FIG. 1 and ishinged to cover head region rim 23 but in some embodiments hinge 9 canbe joined to the other opposing leg 26 of the barrier surround sidewalland opposite end of head region bottom rim 23. Providing the axis ofrotation of the hinge 9 to extend along one of the legs 25,26 of barriersurround sidewall 3 allows upper body shield cover 2 to have arotational axis extending generally longitudinally of the apparatus butoffset to one side. In this manner, upper body shield cover 2 is able toswing approximately 90 degrees or more about the hinge between theclosed position and an open position in which the upper body shieldcover 2 is to one side of both barrier surround side wall 3 and upperbody rest section 4 and out of the way to one side of chair 18 as shownfor example in FIG. 6 . Advantageously, person 50 can easily positionthemselves onto upper body rest section 4 while the apparatus is in theopen configuration and then it is easy for operator 5 to move cover 2 tothe closed position.

In some other embodiments, upper body shield cover 2 is rotatably orpivotally attached to barrier surround sidewall 3 in other positions onbarrier surround side wall 3 such that upper body shield cover 2 ispivotable between a different or similar open position and the closedposition. Furthermore, in yet some other embodiments, rather than beingrotational attached, upper body shield cover 2 is moveably attached inother ways to barrier surround sidewall 3, such as but not limited toattachments that allow linear movement, such that upper body shieldcover 2 is movable to the closed position from a similar or differentopen position.

Upper body shield cover 2 further includes a projection portion 11 thatextends from head region 10 (see in particular FIG. 2A). In theembodiment of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , cover head region 10 togetherwith projection portion 11 are formed from one piece of rigid materialand together form an irregular semi-dome shape that is generallyelongated. When cover 2 is closed, cover head region 10 is aligned abovebarrier surround sidewall 3 and arches upwardly from base bottom rim 23to cover barrier surround side wall 3. Projection portion 11 extendsfrom cover head region 10 further forwardly and upwardly above andbeyond barrier surround sidewall 3 and over back rest section 17 suchthat projection portion 11 over hangs barrier surround sidewall opposinglegs 26, 25 (See in particular FIGS. 2A, 5, 7 and 8 ). Projectionportion 11 has a bottom rim 27 that extends from one end of head regionbottom rim 23 to the other. Opposite ends of projection portion bottomrim 27 project upwardly from respective opposite ends of bottom rim 23to meet at the top of a forward most part of projection portion 11 thatis disposed generally along symmetric axis of barrier surround sidewall3. In this manner, when cover 2 is closed, projection portion bottom rim27 extends between opposing ends of top peripheral side 34 of thebarrier surround side wall 3.

Projection portion bottom rim 27 has a profile whereby opposite endsinitially arch upwardly and forwardly in a concave shape from respectiveopposing ends of bottom rim 23, reach a turning point and then archfurther forwardly, upwardly and inwardly in a convex shape until theymeet at the top of the projection portion 11 (see in particular FIG.2A). Projection portion bottom rim 27 may have other profiles thatextend between opposing ends of the head region bottom rim 23. Whenupper body shield cover 2 is closed, the top of front sides 25A, 26A ofbarrier surround side wall legs 25, 26 are substantially aligned withrespective opposite ends of projection portion bottom rim 27 such thatbarrier surround sidewall front ends 25A,26A together with headprojection portion bottom rim 27 and a surface of upper body restsection 24, generally define a boundary or perimeter around interiorspace 21 that is sealable.

In some embodiments, head region 10 and projection portion 11 aresubstantially made of plexi-glass that is at least partiallytransparent. This plexi-glass head region 10, is an advantage foroperator 51 as it provides for visual access into the interior restingspace 21. The projection portion 11 also being transparent is anadditional advantage as it allows the operator 51 to see further insideand around the interior resting space 21 and so have an improved view ofthe person's head. In some other embodiments, cover head region 10 andcover projection portion 11 may be separate pieces that have been fixedtogether and formed from the same or different rigid materials.Furthermore, in some other embodiments, head region 10 and/or projectionportion 11 may take the form of other shapes that provide a sufficientboundary around an interior space for person 50 resting on upper backrest section 4 and that have a base that cooperates with barriersurround sidewall 3 when cover 2 is closed.

A skirt portion 12, together with projection portion 11 forms,overhanging portion 39 which is the part of cover 2 that overhangsbarrier surround sidewall legs 25, 26. Skirt portion 12 is formed fromflexible sheet material and releasably attached to projection portion11. A top plan view of the skirt portion flexible sheet materialdetached from the apparatus and laid out is shown in FIG. 9 . Skirtportion flexible material is a similar material and thickness toflexible sheet material 7. In some other embodiments, skirt portionflexible sheet material is a different material and/or thickness toflexible sheet material 7. When cover 2 is closed or near closed overbarrier surround sidewall 3, skirt portion sheet material hangs and isconfigurable such that when a person is lying in the rest position, thesheet material is configurable to form a shape having a narrower frontopen end and a wider rear open end (see for example FIG. 8 in which theskirt portion is configured to have a quasi half frusto conical shape).As indicated in FIG. 7 taken in conjunction with FIG. 9 , rear edge 28has central region 28B replaceably attached along the length of theprojection portion bottom rim 27. Opposite rear edge regions 28A, 28Care unattached to projection portion 11 and extend freely downwardlyfrom respective opposite sides of rear edge central portion 28B. A frontregion of skirt portion 12 slopes downwardly from projection portion 11to front free edge 30. When upper body shield cover 2 cover is closedover person 50, front free edge 30 is configurable to form a concavesealing edge over the torso of person 50 and generally traverses thelongitudinal symmetric axis 22 of upper rest section 4

In the embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 , skirt portion 12is made from flexible sheet material that is sufficiently flexible toallow the skirt portion sheet material to hang and deform naturally suchthat skirt portion 12 can be draped by hand and adjusted to frame theupper body of person 50 when apparatus 1 is in the closed configuration.The skirt portion flexible sheet material may be silicone which allowsfor good mechanical flexibility and able to withstand high temperatures.About 1.5 mm or thicker silicone allows for autoclaving, flexibility anddurability. Being as soft/flexible as possible is desirable so thereforesilicone as thin as 1.5 mm may be adopted although thicker sheets areenvisaged in some other embodiments. Withstanding high temperaturesallows for easier cleaning and sanitation. In some embodiments, skirtportion 12 is made from medical grade silicone sheet material.

Skirt portion 12 has opposing sides 32,33 (left and right sides)extending between the front free edge 30 and rear edge 28 of the skirtportion. Skirt opposing sides 32, 33 each have a respective longitudinalfree edge 31, 29 (left, right) extending rearwardly from a respectiveopposite end of front free edge 30. Right side free edge 29 terminatesat the end of right rear edge 28C. Left side free edge 31 terminates atthe end of left rear edge 28A.

Skirt portion 12 is shaped such that when cover 2 is closed, oppositesides 32, 33 hang, or are configurable, lengthwise generally in front ofand aligned with respective barrier surround sidewall legs 25,26.Opposite rear edges 28A, 28C complement respective front ends 25A, 26Aof barrier surround sidewall legs 25,26. In this manner, skirt portionopposite rear edges 28A, 28C are replaceable attachable to respectivefront ends 26A, 25A (See for example FIG. 1 taken in conjunction withFIG. 2A and FIG. 7 ). When rear edges 28A, 28C are so attached, thelength of skirt portion rear side edge 28 (right rear edge 28A, centralrear edge 28B and left rear edge 28C) is sealed along the length ofprojection bottom rim 27 together with barrier surround sidewall frontends 26,25 that align with projection portion bottom rim 27. As aresult, the entire outer perimeter defined by barrier surround side wallfront ends 26, 26B and projection portion bottom rim 27 is sealed by theskirt portion rear edge 28. Skirt portion opposite side free edges 29,31 together with free front edge 30 form a free sealing edge. As will beexplained in more detail below, free sealing edge 29, 30, 31 isconfigurable to close off the remaining opening into the apparatus whenthe upper body of person 50 is lying on the upper body rest section 4and thereby configure the apparatus in the closed configuration.

When a 50 person is resting on upper body rest section 4 and cover 2 isclosed, free front edge 30 generally complements the concave profile ofa chest or waist of person 50. As best shown in FIGS. 7 & 8 , the lengthof the free front edge 30 is made heavier, such as by making itsufficiently thicker than the rest of the skirt portion sheet, andserves as a weight such that, when the upper body of the person 50 islying inside the apparatus, the weighted free front edge 30 remainspressed against the person's body as a result of gravity and sealablycooperates with the person's upper body. Thus, free front edge 30 sealsagainst the torso of person 50. Skirt opposing sides 33, 32 areconfigurable to frame and sealable cooperate with respective right andleft sides of the torso. In some embodiments, when skirt portion 12 ismade less flexible and is able to maintain a shell like shape but is yetstill deformable, other parts of the skirt portion may serve to weightfree front edge 30 and free front edge 30 may not need to be thickerthan the rest of the skirt portion sheet material.

In the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , right and left skirtopposing sides 33, 32 each include wrappable flap regions 33A, 32A.Right wrappable flap 33A extends lengthwise from right rear edge 28C toadjacent the right end of front free edge 30. Left wrappable flap 32Aextends lengthwise from left rear edge 28A to adjacent the left end offront free edge 30. Left wrappable flap 32A is manually foldableunderneath the left side of upper body person 50 lengthwise. Left sidelongitudinal free edge 31 forms the distal longitudinal edge of the flap32A. Right wrappable flap 33A is manually foldable underneath the rightside of upper body person 50 lengthwise. Right side longitudinal freeedge 29 forms the distal longitudinal edge of the flap 33A.

When the skirt portion left and right rear edges 28A, 28C are detachedfrom barrier surround sidewall 3 and cover 2 is open with the skirtcentral rear edge 28C left attached to projection bottom rim 27, skirtportion flexible material is able to freely hang down in generallyvertical planes on the cover hinged side of the apparatus withoutsignificantly obstructing entry into the interior space 21 (see FIG. 1). In some other embodiments in which skirt portion sheet material isless flexible, the remainder of skirt portion 12 is sufficiently rigidto maintain its shape and remain extended in the same plane as the restof cover 2 on the hinged side also without obstructing the apparatusentry.

As upper body shield cover 2 is rotated to close over barrier surroundsidewall 3, opposing sides can fall into place along each side of person50. Left flap 32A is configurable such that when person 50 is lying onthe upper rest section, flap 32A is wrappable underneath the left sideof the upper body of the person between the person and the upper restsection 4. Similarly, right flap 33A is wrappable underneath the rightside of the upper body of the person between the person and upper restsection 4. In this manner, skirt position left side 32 is sealable withthe left side of the person's upper body and upper rest section 4 andskirt portion right side 33 of the skirt portion is sealable with theright side of the person's upper body and upper rest section 4.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 & 2A taken in conjunction with FIG. 8 ,opposing sides 29,31 include respective slits 35 for each arm of person50. On the right side, slit 35 has an open end at the right side linearfree edge 29 and extends generally upwardly to a closed end. On the leftside, slit 35 has an open end at the left side linear free edge 31 andextends generally upwardly to a closed end. Each slit 35 is positionedand open ended to allow slit 35 to frame and seal the upper arm ofperson 50 when cover 2 is in the closed position. In some otherembodiments, each or both slits 35 may be a type of slit with both endsclosed and person 50 must insert their arms through slit 35 from theinterior to the exterior such that the upper body arms are sealed byskirt portion 12. In some other embodiments, one of both of the left andright upper arm slits 35 are omitted and barrier surround sidewall legsand/or skirt portion 12 is shaped such that one or both of the person'sarms may be disposed entirely inside the interior space and sealed offby barrier surround sidewall legs and/or skirt portion 12 using thewrappable opposing sides 29, 31.

Apparatus 1 is in a closed configuration when the interior spaceoccupied by the upper body of person 50 is entirely sealed off from theexterior by cover 2. In the closed configuration: skirt opposing rearedges 28A, 28C are attached to respective barrier surround sidewallfront ends 25A, 26A to seal off an open area around the shoulder/upperarm of the person, respective slits 35 are sealed around upper arms ofperson 50, skirt front free edge 30 is sealed to the front of the upperbody the person 50, skirt opposing sides 32,33 are wrapped betweenrespective sides of the upper body and upper rest section 4 and sealedto respective opposing sides of the upper body of person 50.Advantageously, the aerosol containment apparatus 1 does not require theuse of adhesive for sealing off the interior resting space from theexterior.

Skirt portion 12 is releasably attached and sealed to barrier surroundsidewall 3 thereto by means of a rivet system. The rivet system may besimilar in operation to the rivet system adopted in the barrier surroundsidewall 3 as shown for example in FIGS. 2A & 2B. Rivets 20 are spacedapart along the exterior face of projection portion 11 adjacentprojection portion bottom rim 23 and the exterior faces of respectivebarrier surround sidewall front ends 25A,26A. Skirt portion rear edge 28includes corresponding through holes 12A. Rivets 20 include a distallarge diameter 21A and a proximal small diameter 21B. The skirt portionflexible sheet material includes corresponding holes 12A which flex orstretch around the larger diameter 21A and grip on the small diameter21B. Skirt portion flexible sheet material is reinforced in the areasurrounding the holes, such as by making the material thicker, asrequired for decreasing damage to the flexible sheet material. Skirtportion rear edge 28 is sealably attached to the projection portion andbarrier surround sidewall 3 by means of manually press fitting theflexible sheet holes 12A over corresponding rivets 20 on projectionportion 11 and barrier surround sidewall 3. The skirt flexible sheet canbe removed by stretching holes 12A over and off corresponding rivets 20.In some embodiments skirt portion 12, has indents or caps formed in theflexible sheet exterior instead of through holes and that are sufficientto stretch over and grip respective rivets and enable skirt portion tobe release ably attached.

The rivet system allows skirt portion 12 to be cleaned separately fromthe remainder of the apparatus or in some cases allows a new or cleanreplacement skirt portion to be installed. In some embodiments, skirtportion central rear edge 28B may be attached to projection portionbottom rim 23 by an attachment system that is different from the rivetsystem used to attach the right and left skirt opposing rear edge sides28C, 28A to barrier surround sidewall front ends 26A, 25A.

Advantageously, since the rivet system or other attachment systemenables the flexible sheet material of the skirt portion to be removablyattached for easy cleaning or replacement of a damaged or contaminatedflexible sheet material, the complete aerosol containment apparatus canbe cleaned and/or repaired for reuse.

In some other embodiments, attachments systems other than a rivet systemare adopted to releasably attach skirt portion 12 to barrier surroundsidewall front ends 25A,26A and/or projection portion 11. In the openconfiguration, the skirt portion 12 may be entirely detached fromprojection portion 11. In other embodiments, skirt portion 12 ispermanently attached to projection portion bottom rim 23 or evenintegrated therewith. In some embodiments, skirt portion is permanentlyattached to projection portion 11 by means of a suitable bondingmaterial. In some other embodiments, rather than being fastened toprojection portion 11, skirt portion 12 has a free rear edge that issealably attached to barrier surround sidewall 3 and/or cover 2 in theclosed position by draping skirt portion flexible sheet material rearedge, including the thicker perimeter, of skirt portion 11 over theexterior face of cover 2 (including bottom rim 23 and/or barriersurround sidewall front ends 26A,25A) such that the weight of the skirtportion thicker perimeter and flexible sheet material seals the skirtportion rear edge to cover 2 and/or barrier surround sidewall 3.

In some embodiments, some portions of skirt portion 12 such as theopposing sides and/or flaps may be made from a sheet material that ismore flexible than the central region. In some other embodiments, theskirt portion structure is sufficiently stable to maintain itsshell-like shape when the skirt central portion is attached in theoverhanging position whether the apparatus is in the closedconfiguration or an open configuration yet has some flex to enable skirtportion to frame and seal with the upper body of the person 50.

Barrier surround sidewall 3 includes at least one arm port hole 8 whichis flexible. When apparatus 1 is in the closed configuration. arm porthole 8 allows an operator 51 access to interior resting space 21 whilstmaintaining a seal between space 21 and the exterior. This access allowsoperator 51 to perform dental work without risk of aerosol transmissionbetween person 50 and operator 51.

In the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , barrier surround sidewall 3 includes a plurality of spaced apart flexible arm port holes 8each of which is formed as an elongated opening or slit and associatedflap enclosure. Each elongated opening or slit is oriented to runlengthwise generally parallel with upper rest section 4. The pluralityof holes 8 are spaced apart circumferentially around the barriersurround wall and arranged in two spaced rows one above the other. Insome other embodiments, the number and arrangement of holes may bedifferent. Furthermore, in some embodiments, arm port holes 8 may beformed in barrier surround wall using different sizes, shapes and/ortypes of openings.

Additionally, barrier surround sidewall 3 has an associated flexible armport hole flap 8A that covers and cooperates with art port hole 8, thisflap 8A may be used to provide for additionally sealing around theoperator's arm. Since arm port hole 8 includes a flap 8A for sealingaround an operator's arm, there is no need to integrate a glove into thebarrier surround sidewall 3. An arm port hole without an integratedglove feature is advantageous since it provides the option to operator51 to use thin single use external gloves which the applicant has foundare better for tactile sensitivity as required in dentistry. Providing aplurality of arm port holes 8 and associated flaps 8A spaced apartaround barrier surround sidewall 3 is advantageous in that operator 51is able to access various different regions of interior space 21 usingdifferent arm port holes 8 selectively with one arm or both arms. Sincearm port holes 8 are also located around head rest region 15, thisadvantageously allows operator 51 easy access to the person's headand/or oral cavity, while sitting or standing. Another advantage of armport holes 8 with flaps 8A is that they can also be used as ports fordental devices such as suction hoses or air/water syringe devices whichare routinely used in dental procedures. In some other embodiments, armport hole flaps 8A are omitted.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , arm port holes 8 are formed in theflexible sheet material 7. Since the arm port hole 8 is included in theflexible sheet material 7 making both the arm port hole and associatedflap flexible, it allows operator 51 to move his/her arms in horizontal,vertical and angled movements, while maintaining a sealed interiorresting space 21. Arm port hole 8A flap enclosure is formed from athicker flexible material to help strengthen the arm port hole 8.

Furthermore, an arm port holes 13 is included in skirt portion 12, onseal with skirt opposing side 33. In the embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , arm port hole 13 is disposed on skirt portion 12 generallydiagonally between slit 35 and central rear edge 28B. Arm port hole 13is flexible, elongated and provides access to interior resting space 21.An associated arm port hole flap 13A cooperates with arm port hole 13which allows use of single use gloves which has some advantages asexplained above and avoids the need for an integrated glove feature inskirt portion 12. Since arm port hole 13 is disposed in cover 2 ratherthan barrier surround sidewall 3, it can be spaced further towards thelongitudinal central axis of apparatus 1 and forward above the barriersurround sidewall 3 such that operator's arm accessing interior space 21via arm port hole 13 is able to maneuver an instrument or tool moreeasily and/or differently into and/or around the mouth of the personthan via arm port 8. In some other embodiments, the number and/orposition of arm port holes 13 on cover 2 may be different to suit theapplication. In some embodiments, the arm port hole or holes arepositioned in a similar manner and/or differently to facilitate cosmetictreatment such as make up application, eyebrow plucking or facial workor acupuncture treatment. In still other applications, the access couldprovide for oral or facial surgery. Furthermore, in some otherembodiments, any of the arm port holes may have a different shape, size,orientation and have a different means of sealing around the arm than byflaps.

Upper body shield cover 2 includes a utility tray 14. As shown in FIG. 1and in FIG. 5 , which is an enlarged cross sectional view of part of theapparatus taken along a central longitudinal axis of apparatus 1,utility tray 14 is integrated with an underside of cover 2 such that itis located entirely within interior resting space 21 and is accessiblevia one or more of arm port holes 8,13. In the embodiment of theapparatus of FIG. 1 , utility tray 14 serves as a dental tray for dentaltools or products. In some other embodiments, utility tray 14 may be acosmetic tray for cosmetic tools and products for cosmetic applications.In some other embodiments, utility tray 14 is a medical tray for medicaltools or products. In some other embodiments, utility tray 14 is anacupuncture tray for acupuncture tools or products. As best shown inFIG. 5 , utility tray 14 is attached to the underside of cover 2 so thatit is located forward of the head of person 50 and above the person'schest when person 50 is lying in interior space 21 and cover 2 isclosed. Utility tray 14 is located on the symmetric axis of the coverand is integrated into or fixed to the projection portion 11. Utilitytray 14 has a traversally extending base that is oriented such that itis generally in a plane parallel with the upper rest section 4 whencover 2 is closed. Utility tray 14 has support wall which is generallyperpendicular to the tray base and interconnects the length of one sideof the tray base to the underside of projection portion 12. Internalutility tray 14 allows access by the operator 51 via arm port holes 8,13to instruments/tools etc. on tray 14 rather than operator 51 having tointroduce them into interior space 21 from the exterior or remove themfrom interior space 21 by breaking the seal to the interior space or byintroducing them via arm port holes. This reduces the number of timesthe operator 51 is required to remove and insert an arm through arm portholes 8,13 reducing wear and tear of the arm port hole 7 and minimizesrisk of viral or other infection from contaminated tools/instruments orarms that would otherwise have to be introduced into and removed fromthe interior space via the arm port holes or by opening the cover.

Utility tray 14 is made from a suitably rigid material such as plasticor metal. Integrating or fixing utility tray 14 to underside projectionportion 11 is advantageous in that projection portion 11 is made fromrigid plexi glass or other material that is more rigid than skirtportion sheet material. In addition, locating utility tray 14 onprojection portion 11 mitigates possible obstruction of the transparentview person 50 has when looking up through cover 2 because utility tray14 (and operator 51 when accessing or manipulating tools on the tray)are spaced away from the head of person 50. In some embodiments,internal utility tray 14 is integrated with or fixed to other parts ofthe apparatus such as the barrier surround sidewall 3, upper restsection 4 or skirt portion sheet material 12.

Aerosol containment apparatus 1 is releasably attached to a chair 18 inan operable configuration by a universal chair attachment system. Asbest shown in FIG. 3 taken in conjunction with FIG. 2A which depict theaerosol containment apparatus 1 integrated with the dental chair,installation of upper body rest section 2 on dental chair 18 is achievedusing an adjustable strap system 5 integrated with or attachable to theunderside of upper body rest section 2 and bottom of barrier surroundsidewall 3. Strap system 5 has a rear adjustable strap 5A that is fixedat opposite ends to the exterior bottom of respective barrier surroundside wall legs 25,26. A front adjustable strap 5B is fixed at oppositeends to respective opposite side edges of back-rest section 17.Adjustable strap system 5 is adjustable to strap and secure upper bodyrest head region 16 to chair head rest 18A and upper body back restportion 17 to chair back rest 18B. FIG. 1 shows rear and front straps5A. 5B and corresponding buckles 38, 40 for adjusting straps 5A, 5B toallow integration of upper body rest section 2 with chair 18. Straps 5A,5B are wrapped around the respective head rest 18A and back rest 18B ofthe dental chair 18. Buckles 38, 40 secure the respective straps. Thestrap buckle system is a quick side release buckle system such as forexample those found on backpacks. In some other embodiments, the bucklesystem is a heavy-duty buckle system for a less portable apparatus. Insome other embodiments, other buckle systems that have an easy, quickand durable release may be adopted.

Since upper body rest section 2 is attached to the dental chair 18 by auniversal strap attachment system, apparatus 1 is attachable to andusable with different types of dental chairs 18. This is an advantagebecause dental chairs come in many sizes and shapes. Furthermore, as theattachment system is configured to releasably attach apparatus 1 to achair, it can be removed from a chair and used on a new or differenttype of chair, or different sized chair, as desired.

An air filtration system 15 is located in cover 2. Air filtration systemcommunicates between the exterior of cover 2 and interior space 21. Airfilter system 15 is a self-contained battery operated fan/air purifierthat filters air into and out of interior space 21 without the use ofexternal apparatus. The fan/air purifier may be rechargeable. In otherembodiments it may be connected to an external power supply to operate.When apparatus 1 is in the closed configuration, it is configured tooperate as a positive pressure system in which air is pushed intointerior space 21 via a fan in the air filter system inlet 15Acommunicating between interior space 21 and the exterior. Since interiorspace 21 is substantially air tight by virtue of cover 2 sealing offinterior space 21, any substantial buildup of positive pressure insideinterior space 21 is balanced by virtue of air filter system outlet 15Bwhich communicates between interior space 21 and the exterior and whichfilters air being expelled or vented naturally from interior space 21.Alternatively, the fan is incorporated into outlet 15B and pushes airout of the interior to the exterior and inlet 15A naturally pulls in airto interior space 21 from the exterior.

Air inlet 15A and air outlet 15B and fan/air purifier filters 15C areincorporated into head region of cover 2 which is sufficiently rigid tosupport them. In some other embodiments, air filter system inlet and/oroutlet and associated filters and fan are incorporated in other parts ofthe apparatus instead of or in addition to cover 2.

In some embodiments, the shape and/or type of the ventilation ports maybe different in shape or size than those shown in the accompanyingfigures. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outlet port 15B may be asimple exiting vent 15B, virus appropriate, filter material such as n-95masking material or Hepa filtration material that does not require atube style port but optionally may be easily attached to a tube withelastic type materials. In some embodiments, the air inlet port 15A maybe a simple intake port with filter material in which case air outletport 15B incorporates the fan for pulling/pushing air out of theinterior space to the exterior and air inlet port 15A naturally pullsair into the interior (or vice versa). In some embodiments, both theinlet 15A and the outlet 15B may be simple intake and outtake ports madewith filter material and without a fan. In some embodiments both ports15A,15B can include both a fan and filter, one to pull air into theinterior and the other to pull air out of the interior.

In some embodiments, air filter system inlet is configured to receive ahose of an external air filter system (not shown) that is inserted intothe inlet to pump air into the interior space and air is eithernaturally expelled from the outlet through a filter on the cover or viaa separate exhaust hose of the external pump system inserted into theoutlet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, air filter system outlet isconfigured to receive a hose of an external air filter system (notshown) that is inserted into the outlet to suck air out of the interiorspace 21 into the external air filter system and air is naturally drawninto the inlet either through a filter on the cover or via a separateexhaust hose of the external pump system inserted into the inlet toprovide filter air from the system. When such external pump systems areused the air filter/fan may be omitted from the inlet or outlet that isintended to be used with an external air system. In some otherembodiments, air filtration system may be configurable between an airfilter system that is self-contained on the cover and receive a receivea system that comprises air filtration ports for using the apparatuswith an external air pump/suction system. In some other embodiments,apparatus 1 has one or more additional air ports or other airpassageways that are configurable between a closed state, in which theinterior space is maintained entirely sealed except for via the airfiltration system, and an open state in which interior space is nolonger sealed.

The method of use for the above described embodiment will now bedescribed.

Initially, apparatus 1 must be installed on the chair. In order toinstall the apparatus on the chair, apparatus 1 is placed on the chair18 with the upper rest section of the apparatus extending lengthwise andbarrier surround sidewall 3 facing away from the chair. Generally, thehead region 16 and back region 17 of upper rest section 4 are alignedwith head and back rests 18A, 18B respectively of chair 18. The strapadjustment system is used to secure upper rest section 4 to chair 18 forexample as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 . The upper body shield cover 2 isclosed while attaching apparatus 1 to chair 18 to make it easier tohandle the apparatus. Straps 5A,5B are released from respective buckles38, 40 and wrapped underneath the respective chair head rest 18A andback rest 18B. Straps 5A, 5B are then attached and tightened aroundchair 18 using the buckles 38,40 to securely fasten upper body restsection 4 to chair 18.

When cover 2 is still closed, skirt portion central rear edge 28B isreleasably attached to the projection bottom rim 27 using the rivetsystem whereas skirt portion opposing rear edges 28A, 28C are leftunattached. This may be done before or after attaching apparatus 1 tochair 18.

The apparatus is now ready for use Upper body shield cover 2 is rotatedto the open position by the operator 51 to bring apparatus 1 into theopen configuration. Since entry into the chair is unobstructed by cover2, a person 50 is able to enter the apparatus by sitting on upper backrest section 4 and lying down generally as they would do on chair 18without apparatus 1 attached. The person's head is now resting on headrest region 15 with their face facing away from the head rest region 15and their torso resting on the back-rest region 17 of the apparatus 1(see FIG. 7 ).

At this point the operator swings the upper body cover shield coverabout hinge 9 to close cover 2 (see FIG. 7 taken conjunction with FIG. 8). In doing so, skirt portion 12 hangs around the person's torso.Operator 51 manually configures the skirt portion so that skirt portionslits 35 frame or wrap around respective upper arms/shoulders, frontfree edge 30 frames across the torso and skirt portion opposing sides32, 33 are located on either side of the person's torso. Opposingwrappable flaps 32A, 33A are now inserted between the torso andback-rest region 17. Skirt position rear opposing side edges 28A, 28Care attached to respective front ends 25A, 26A of barrier surroundsidewall 3. As explained hereinbefore, configuring skirt portion 12 inthis manner seals off the remaining opening between the interior space21 and the exterior (with the exception of air filter system 15 thatallows air to transfer between interior space 21 and the exterior). Airfilter system 15 is operable to ensure filtering of air to and frominterior space 21. The apparatus is now in a closed configuration inwhich interior resting space 21 is sealed from the rest of theenvironment and is ready for use by operator 51.

Operator 51 is now able to insert one or more arms into interior restingspace 21 via respective arm port holes 8,13 and is able to see theperson's head through the transparent head region 10 of cover 2.Operator 51 is able to perform dental procedures using tools on utilitytray 14 without breaking the seal between interior space 21 and theexternal environment. Operator 51 may also insert and remove tools intoand out of the interior space via one or more arm ports as needed.

After the operator 51 is finished, opposite rear edges 28A, 28C aredetached from respective barrier surround wall front ends 25A, 26A, theinserted opposing wrappable flaps 32A, 33A are pulled out from betweenthe person's torso and the back-rest region 17, and cover 2 is rotatedopen so that apparatus 1 is in an open configuration. The person 50 isnow able to exit from chair 18 without obstruction from cover 2.

As can be understood, apparatus 1 may need to be cleaned after each use,this is especially important if the person may have an infectiousdecease. As already explained in detail hereinbefore, the apparatus 1allows for the removal of skirt portion 12 and/or the flexible sheetmaterial 7.

To remove the barrier surround sidewall flexible sheet material 7 and/orskirt portion sheet material, the operator or other user simplystretches the sheet material along an area where rivets 20 andcorresponding sheet holes 7A, 12A are located. This enlarges the holesand allows for removal from the corresponding rivets. This eliminatesthe need for removing or reapplying adhesive as the rivets provide atight and precise seal.

Both skirt portion 12 and/or the flexible sheet material 7 can now becleaned or replaced in an appropriate fashion. As indicated, flexiblesheet material 7 and skirt portion 12 can be constructed of medicalgrade silicone and be autoclavable to facilitate cleaning. Additionally,the remainder of apparatus 1 can also be cleaned at this point.

It can be understood that the aerosol containment apparatus of theembodiments described herein may be constructed in small, medium andlarge sizes. This is simply the nature of the apparatus as it may beconfigured for adults (large and small) or children.

Additionally, as any one or combination of the flexible sheet materialbarrier surround sidewall, the skirt portion, and replaceable filters aswell as other parts may be replaced, an additional benefit of theaerosol containment apparatus is that these parts are replaceable, thusreducing waste.

Aspects of the aerosol containment apparatus of the present technologyprovide a universal, self-contained, portable/reusable aerosolcontainment apparatus that is self-sealing without adhesive, easilycleanable, versatile for use in dental care. cosmetic care, health careand other care environments and operational without the need of externalair filtration and/or electrical power systems.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present technology has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the present technology in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the presenttechnology. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the present technology and its practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the present technology for various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularembodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced inother embodiments that depart from these specific details.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or“according to one embodiment” (or other phrases having similar import)at various places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. Furthermore, depending on the context ofdiscussion herein, a singular term may include its plural forms and aplural term may include its singular form. Similarly, a hyphenated term(e.g., “on-demand”) may be occasionally interchangeably used with itsnon-hyphenated version (e.g., “on demand”), a capitalized entry (e.g.,“Software”) may be interchangeably used with its non-capitalized version(e.g., “software”), a plural term may be indicated with or without anapostrophe (e.g., PE's or PEs), and an italicized term (e.g., “N+1”) maybe interchangeably used with its non-italicized version (e.g., “N+1”).Such occasional interchangeable uses shall not be consideredinconsistent with each other.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and suchincorporated disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with thepresent disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and/or broaderdisclosure, and/or broader definition of terms, the present disclosurecontrols. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and/or inwhole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dateddisclosure controls.

The terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full orpartial, temporary or permanent, immediate or delayed, synchronous orasynchronous, action or inaction. For example, when an element isreferred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element,then the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the otherelement and/or intervening elements may be present, including indirectand/or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to asbeing “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element,there are no intervening elements present. The description herein isillustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the technology willbecome apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of thisdisclosure.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, thepresent descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives,modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwiseappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the breadth andscope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

1. An aerosol containment apparatus comprising: an upper body restsection for resting thereon the upper body of a person; wherein saidupper body rest section comprises a head rest region and back restregion; wherein said upper body rest section is integrated with, orconfigurable on, the back rest of a chair; a barrier surround sidewallsealed with the upper body rest section; wherein said barrier surroundsidewall extends on and around an outer part of said head rest regionand has an open end traversing said upper body rest section; an upperbody shield cover integrated with, attached or attachable to saidbarrier surround sidewall, wherein said upper body shield covercomprises a head region and an overhanging portion, wherein saidoverhanging portion comprises a skirt portion; wherein said barriersurround sidewall and/or said upper body shield cover includes at leastone arm port hole; wherein said apparatus is configurable between anopen configuration and a closed configuration; wherein in the openconfiguration the upper body shield cover is in an open position anduncovers said barrier surround sidewall; and wherein in the closedconfiguration: said upper body shield cover head region is in a closedposition covering at least the head rest region of the upper body restsection and cooperating with the barrier surround sidewall in sealedcontact therewith, wherein said overhanging portion overhangs saidbarrier surround sidewall open end, wherein said skirt portion is sealedto said barrier surround sidewall, wherein said upper body rest section,said barrier surround wall and said upper body shield cover define aninterior resting space, and wherein said skirt portion has a shape suchthat, when the upper body of a person is resting on said upper body restsection in said resting space, said skirt portion is in sealed contactwith an upper body part of the person to thereby seal off the interiorresting space from the exterior of the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said chair is a recliner chair.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a utility tray fixed or integrated with theunderside of said upper body shield cover; wherein in said closedconfiguration, said utility tray occupies said interior resting spaceand is accessible via said at least one arm port hole.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the upper body shield cover is attached to thebarrier surround sidewall and moveable between the open and closedpositions.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said skirt portion has afree outer edge, wherein at least part of said free outer edge has or isconfigurable to have a profile corresponding to the profile of the upperbody of the person and wherein in the closed configuration, when theupper body of a person is resting on said upper body rest section insaid interior resting space, the free outer edge is overlapping and incontact with the person and forms a seal therewith.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein said skirt portion comprises a flexible sheet material.7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said free outer edge includesmaterial that is thicker and/or heavier than the material of the rest ofthe flexible sheet.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said skirtportion has opposing sides and a central region therebetween, whereinsaid skirt portion has a rear edge, wherein said rear edge comprisesopposing side regions and a central region between said rear edgeopposing side regions, and wherein each of said skirt portion rear edgeopposing side regions is releasably attachable to respective opposingsides of said barrier surround sidewall open end.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said overhanging portion includes a projection portionextending from said upper body shield cover head region; said projectionportion projecting over said open end of said barrier surround sidewall;and wherein said skirt portion is sealed or sealable with saidprojection portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least oneof said skirt portion opposing sides includes a flexible armhole slit.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein in the closed configuration, whenthe upper body of a person is resting on said upper body rest section,said skirt portion is sealed to said projection portion and said barriersurround sidewall open end, and wherein said skirt portion free frontedge is in sealed contact with and overlaps the front of the torso ofthe person and wherein the skirt opposing sides are wrapped under and insealed contact with respective sides of the torso allowing the arms ofthe person to extend out of the sealed interior space via the respectivearmhole slits whilst maintaining the interior resting space sealed. 12.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a rivet system releasably attachessaid skirt region rear edge central region to said projection portionand said skirt region rear edge opposing side regions to respectivesides of said barrier surround sidewall open end.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein said head region together with said projection portioncomprises at least partially dome shape rigid structure.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein said upper body shield cover head regiontogether with said projection portion is substantially transparent. 15.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barrier surround sidewall includesa flexible sheet material.
 16. The apparatus claim 15, wherein thebarrier surround sidewall comprises an open ended rigid frame and theflexible sheet material releasably attached thereto by a rivet system.17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one flexible arm port isincorporated in said flexible sheet material of said barrier surroundsidewall.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least oneair filtration port extending through said upper body shield coverbetween an interior side and exterior side of said upper body shieldcover.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an air filtration systemincorporated in any one or combination of said upper body shield cover,said barrier surround sidewall and said upper rest section, said airfiltration system comprising an air inlet port with an air inlet filterand an air outlet port with an outlet filter; wherein each of said airinlet port and air outlet port communicate between the interior restingspace and the exterior; and wherein said inlet filter is configured topull/push air from the exterior through said air inlet port into saidinterior resting space and/or wherein said outlet filter is configuredto pull/push air out through said air outlet port from the interiorresting space to the exterior.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, furthercomprising an adjustable strap system integrated with or attachable tothe bottom of said upper body rest section, wherein said adjustablestrap system is adjustable to strap and secure said upper body restsection to a back rest of said chair.